Canada
Sportsbooks begin to reopen – just in time for MLB and NBA seasons
There is no hiding from the fact that the past few months have been particularly hard for land-based casinos and gambling houses. While online operations have largely benefited from lockdown rules and stay-at-home measures during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been quite the opposite experience for brick and mortar businesses.
Even as the outbreak continues to hit large parts of the United States, casino companies have begun reopening under strict health and safety measures in an attempt to get the industry’s economy moving once again. Reduced capacities and opening hours, temperature checks, face masks, and sanitization stations have all become the norm.
Among the areas of the gambling sector to begin reopening over the past few weeks has been sportsbooks across the United States.
The past two years have been an exciting time for sports betting in the US after the Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in all states, and while 18 states have begun operations, others are expected to soon follow suit.
The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of America’s professional sports leagues made sportsbook all but useless for the past few months. But as the return of pro sports fast approaches and federal and state restrictions continue to ease, sportsbooks have started to reopen the doors.
Sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and Mississippi have all been welcoming visitors back over the past few weeks, while just this week, Betfred USA Sports – the US subsidiary of UK-based Betfred – announced it was set to launch its fourth sportsbook in Las Vegas at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
The timing of the widespread reopening of sportsbooks across the US is certainly not coincidental. While economically damaging to be closed for months, sportsbooks served little purpose with sports all-but nonexistent.
However, there is about to be an explosion of sports action in the coming weeks as North America’s four most popular sports all take to the field/court/rink.
What to look for: MLB, NBA, NHL
The Major League Baseball season, initially scheduled to begin in March, makes its long-awaited start on July 23 and will play out a significantly reduced regular season of just 60 games. The World Series are set to start on October 30.
The NBA season gets back underway in new surroundings from July 30 with 22 teams competing in a sort of mini league located exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort on Florida. Eight teams have been excluded on account of their inability to reach the playoffs. The Finals are scheduled to begin on September 30.
Just two weeks after the NBA kicks into gear, the NFL will start its pre-season games from August 14, with the regular season beginning on September 11. The Superbowl is scheduled for February 7.
Meanwhile, the NHL will take to the ice at the end of the month with exhibition games getting the delayed season back underway on July 28 before Stanley Cup qualifiers begin on August 1. The Stanley Cup itself will start on September 22.
As well as the “Big Four” generating plenty of interest for sports fans – and plenty of business for sportsbooks – North American horse racing has been able to continue hosting races, albeit on a reduced schedule.
The Triple Crown is going ahead after a change in the running order, with the Belmont Stakes already taking place. The Kentucky Derby will follow on September 5, with the Preakness Stakes staging the finale on October 3.
Other sports to bet on
All of this only highlights the packed sports schedule the United States is about to experience over the coming months. There will not be a day that goes by when baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or horse racing will not be happening, presenting an opportunity for sportsbooks to take advantage.
By offering visitors, the latest lines and futures bets on the “Big Four” sports and the latest Kentucky Derby odds and Preakness Stakes odds, sportsbooks across the United States will view the next few months as the ideal antidote to months of financial strain and inactivity.
You can bet on the Kentucky Derby odds online too through here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds
There is plenty of damage to be undone from the coronavirus pandemic, but the return of US sport and its constant presence for the foreseeable future will allow fans and sportsbooks to at least breathe a collective sigh of relief.
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Canada
PENN Entertainment Launches theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino and theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino Standalone Apps in Alberta
PENN Entertainment has announced the launch of theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino in Alberta, as well as theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino standalone apps, further expanding the Company’s Canadian online gaming footprint and bringing its leading digital gaming brands to players across the province. These apps are now available across Alberta on iOS, Android, and are also available on the web.
The Alberta launch marks the next chapter in theScore Bet’s continued growth in Canada, building on its success in Ontario. Players in Alberta can now enjoy the uniquely integrated sports media and betting experience from two of Canada’s most trusted brands, theScore and theScore Bet, bringing live scores, news, stats, and betting together in one connected ecosystem.
In addition to sports betting, theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino gives Alberta players access to a comprehensive online casino experience featuring hundreds of slots, table games, live dealer experiences, and exclusive games, including Blue Jays Blackjack.
Complementing theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino experience, PENN is also launching standalone Hollywood Casino and theScore Casino apps in Alberta. Hollywood Casino, a popular online and retail casino brand, delivers a casino-first experience featuring an extensive portfolio of slots, table games, and live dealer content. For players who prefer a dedicated casino app, theScore Casino offers the same premium gaming experience, providing additional choice alongside the all-in-one theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino app.
“Alberta has an incredible sports culture, and we’re excited to bring theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino to players across the province. Fans already know and trust theScore, and with theScore Bet, we’re extending that connection into a seamless sportsbook and casino experience. Whether you’re following your favorite team, placing a bet, or enjoying casino games, we’ve built the experience around the way fans naturally engage with sports. We commend the Alberta government for introducing a regulated online gaming market for private operators and look forward to serving fans in one of Canada’s great sports markets,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Interactive at PENN Entertainment.
Alberta customers can now enjoy:
• Same Game Parlays, player props, and live in-game betting.
• Seamless betting integration with theScore’s trusted sports news, scores, and data.
• Hollywood Casino’s extensive portfolio of slots, table games, and live dealer experiences, including Blue Jays Blackjack, the Dancing Drums series, and Sweet Bonanza series.
The post PENN Entertainment Launches theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino and theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino Standalone Apps in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Supplier expands to its third regulated Canadian province after Ontario and Québec, launching on Alberta’s market opening week.
Play’n GO has entered the newly regulated Alberta iGaming market, launching its casino games with more than ten licensed operators on the market’s opening week, the supplier said on 16 July 2026.
The Alberta rollout marks Play’n GO’s third regulated Canadian province, following Ontario and Québec, and extends the company’s North American regulated-market footprint.
According to the company, its content was made available in Alberta for the first time on launch day via a network of licensed operators.
Esteban Perez, New Market Entry Lead at Play’n GO said: “Entering Alberta with more than 10 operators on day one of regulation is a significant milestone for Play’n GO and a testament to the strength of our regulated market strategy. Canada continues to be a key focus for us, and expanding into our third province reflects both the demand for our content and the strength of our partnerships with licensed operators.
“We are proud to support Alberta’s regulated market with a portfolio that prioritises entertainment, compliance and long-term sustainability.”
The post Play’n GO goes live in Alberta iGaming with 10+ operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Swedish gaming giant confirms its entry into its third regulated Canadian Province with its industry leading portfolio of games now available in Alberta for the first time
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, today announced its successful entry into the newly regulated Alberta iGaming market, with a wide range of its premium content going live with more than ten licensed operators on market launch day this week.
The milestone further reinforces Play’n GO’s commitment to regulated market expansion across North America and marks the company’s third Canadian province, following established operations in Ontario and Québec.
Play’n GO’s launch in Alberta ensures players have immediate access to a portfolio of world-class titles from day one of the market’s regulated opening. By partnering with a broad network of licensed operators at launch, the company has solidified its position as a trusted supplier in newly regulated jurisdictions.
The Alberta rollout builds on Play’n GO’s strong track record of working alongside regulators and operators to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality entertainment to players, while supporting sustainable market growth.
Esteban Perez, New Market Entry Lead at Play’n GO said: “Entering Alberta with more than 10 operators on day one of regulation is a significant milestone for Play’n GO and a testament to the strength of our regulated market strategy. Canada continues to be a key focus for us, and expanding into our third province reflects both the demand for our content and the strength of our partnerships with licensed operators.
“We are proud to support Alberta’s regulated market with a portfolio that prioritises entertainment, compliance and long-term sustainability.”
To find out more about Play’n GO, please visit playngo.com
The post Play’n GO strengthens Canadian footprint with Alberta iGaming market entry appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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